ONE of the region's most popular brass band contests is to get a new lease of life this weekend.

The Teesdale Brass Band Contest will take place on Sunday in the grounds of the Bowes Museum in Barnard Castle, County Durham.

It will be the first time it takes place in this venue and organisers are looking hope it will increase the popularity of the contest.

The contest's committee chairman, Neville Turner, said: "We're really quite excited about it. When we were offered this opportunity to play at the Bowes Museum, we thought 'what a setting for a brass band contest' and it was something we couldn't refuse.

"We think this will transform the Teesdale Brass Band Contest into a serious highlight in Teesdale for many years to come."

It will be the 18th Teesdale Brass Band contest and eight bands are scheduled to perform.

The contest was originally set up to encourage grassroots brass bands.

Mr Turner said: "It's really for the brass bands that don't normally take part in contests, your village bands and youth bands.

"It's a wonderful opportunity to foster the grassroots, there's no Grimethorpe or Black Dyke bands.

"The competition's taken seriously but not too seriously."

Each band will play a march, a hymn and a piece of their own choice.

Once each band has performed, the bands will play together while the judges deliberate.

The contest will start at 11am and entrance is free.